Introduction to Homiletics I. What is the definition of the word “Homiletics”? A. The English word “homiletics” is most often defined as the “science or art of preaching.”

“The branch of rhetoric that treats the composition and delivery of sermons” --Funk & Wagnalls “The art of preaching, so far as this is an art; sacred eloquence; the method of addressing an audience on the highest subjects which, with the Divine blessing, is most likely to affect the consciences, the hearts and the intellect of the hearers.” --The New International Dictionary, 1901 “The art of preaching, so far as this is an art; sacred eloquence; the method of addressing an audience on the highest subjects which, with the Divine blessing, is most likely to affect the consciences, the hearts and the intellect of the hearers.” --The New International Dictionary, 1901

“Homiletics is the study of the composition and delivery of a sermon or other religious discourse. It includes all forms of preaching, viz., the sermon, homily and catechetical instruction.” --Wikipedia

B. The Greek word from which the English word is derived sheds additional light on the meaning. 1. There are three Greek words that form a basis of our English word “homiletics.” a. Homiletikos (from Homileo) which means “to be in company with, to impart insights through sharing common time together.”

b. Homilia which means “communion and conversation”. c. Homilos which is composed of homos meaning “same” and ilos meaning “crowd.”

2. These three Greek words can be summarized to define Homiletics as “sharing insights through conversation with a crowd.” “Preaching is personal counseling on a group basis.” –Harry Emerson Fosdick,

II. What are some notable quotes regarding the subject of homiletics or preaching? “Preaching is, in one regard, like bringing up children; we know all about it until we have to do it; then we know nothing.” --George Buttrich, Jesus Came Preaching

“To the end of time, preaching can only be an embarrassed stammering. Do not call it difficult, therefore; call it impossible.” --A.C. Craig, Preaching in a Scientific Age, 1954 “To the end of time, preaching can only be an embarrassed stammering. Do not call it difficult, therefore; call it impossible.” --A.C. Craig, Preaching in a Scientific Age, 1954 “Preaching is an art, and in this, as in all other arts, the bad performers far outnumber the good.” --Aldous Huxley, The Devils of London, 1952 “Preaching is an art, and in this, as in all other arts, the bad performers far outnumber the good.” --Aldous Huxley, The Devils of London, 1952

“True Christian preaching is…a proclamation which claims to be the call of God through the mouth of man and, as the word of authority, demands belief.” --Rudolph Bultmann, Religion and Culture, 1959 “True Christian preaching is…a proclamation which claims to be the call of God through the mouth of man and, as the word of authority, demands belief.” --Rudolph Bultmann, Religion and Culture, 1959 “Among all the duties of the pastor after justice and life, holy preaching is the most praised.” --John Wycliff, The Pastoral Office, 1378 “Among all the duties of the pastor after justice and life, holy preaching is the most praised.” --John Wycliff, The Pastoral Office, 1378

“It is our duty to bark in the house of the Lord.” --A medieval preacher’s saying

III. Why should we study the subject of homiletics? A. Because preaching is God’s means of bringing the world to Christ (I Cor. 1:18- 25). B. Because preaching is God’s means of inspiring faith (Rom. 10:14-17; 16:25; Tit. 1:1-3).

C. Because good preaching is a science and an art (II Tim. 2:15). 1. Our goal in preaching is to be effective communicators for God. Apollos is a great model for us in this area of preaching (Acts 18:24-28). a. He was humble and wanted all that God had to give him (Acts 18:26).

b. He was fervent in spirit (Acts 18:25). c. He was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24). d. He was eloquent in speech (Acts 18:24) e. He was accurate in ministry (Acts 18:25). f. He was bold in speaking (Acts 18:26).

g. He was a great help (Acts 18:27). h. He was vigorous in all that he did (Acts 18:28).

2. Our specific goals in this course are five-fold: a. To introduce you to helpful preaching materials. b. To expose you to a variety of preaching methods. c. To help you in the organization and delivery of sermons.

d. To help you to overcome the fear of preaching. e. To challenge you to discover your specific talents and gifting.

D. Because good preaching is hard work (II Tim. 2:15). Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. – NLT

Jay Adams states that true instruction in homiletics ought to teach the following three things (Preaching with Purpose). 1. How to remove obstacles to preaching the truth. 2. How to make the message as clear as possible. 3. How to point the listener to Christ alone as the foundation for his belief and actions.